(24 Nov 2014, 3:03 pm)aureolin wrote Have to say that I feel your comments towards Dan are unfair. Moving consultation from a faceless method to face to face was a positive step, and I don't think anyone could have predicted how unorganised it appears to have turned out.
There's been a variety of comments, whether they be positive, negative or neutral, and that's not a bad thing. I'd hope GNE (and others) would take note of those points, and take them into account next time they consult.
Whilst I didn't agree with the setup personally, I do think that an 8am start would have made sense, and for the reasons Dan mentioned. It's not unreasonable to suggest that the average working day is a 9-5, which would have given commuters a chance to take part. No one would have predicted them not showing up on time.
Survey Monkey is no longer practical alone for consultation, when focusing on a specific area. People in Russia or Australia could theoretically take part, despite not ever being likely to use a Sunderland bus service. I'd guess this was an attempt of another alternative, having previously used paper forms on specific services. It may be another case of back to the drawing board after today. Who knows?
Key to remember is that consultation isn't statutory, but voluntary. The reality is that they aren't required to do anything, but at least appear to be trying to engage.
your making me think of that advert that was on tv a few years back where alexander orlov aka Alexander The Meerkat where his uncle shouts out the word RUSSIA!!! dead loud https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YZ710CJ0hM&list=UUs2hm6tj0qQ_gFl6rFKO6gg&index=203